The college essay is a daunting task for most high school students. For many, it's the first time in their academic lives they are asked to write about…themselves. No thesis to prove, no sources to cite, no textual analysis. Just you, your life, and what you are learning about yourself and the world. 

For those who are struggling to start or move through the process, here are three fantastic tools we recommend to find your way. 

And if you are wondering when to write that college essay…the answer is now. 

So check these out to get unstuck– 

Read real essays: 

Often, students feel lost trying to get a sense of the shape and tone of this personal statement essay. A good way to understand what this is all about, is to read real college essays that ‘worked’ according to admissions officers. 

Fortunately, there are several colleges that make a regular practice of sharing a handful of these essays. You can check these out from Connecticut College, Johns Hopkins University, Hamilton College, Tufts University, and Babson College.

The caution here, is not to get too attached or try to replicate what you see in these essays, but instead, to notice a couple of key elements: 

• There is no ‘one right way’: Reading a handful of essays reveals the multitude of different topics, voices, and approaches that come forward in successful essays.
• Note the commonalities that distinguish great essays: 
  • The authentic voice of the individual comes through
  • The author is vulnerable in sharing their reflection, learning, or growth as they look back on a moment in time.
  • The author’s personal qualities, or values are evident by what they show to be true about themselves. 
  • The essay is narrow in scope: strong essays usually pull the reader into the writer’s life by sharing one specific window that reveals something deeper and more meaningful about them, rather than recounting many events or experiences. 

Then tell a good story: 

One of the best ways to learn to write a great essay is to get out of the genre of college essays. Listen to podcasts or read about the craft of good storytelling. The elements of good storytelling are a universal and powerful part of the human experience. Whether a student is preparing to submit applications this fall, or a 9th grader looking for something to do, engaging with good storytelling will make you a better, more confident and more authentic teller of your own stories.  

We highly recommend: 

This American Life: The storytelling in this weekly podcast is an inspiration for telling honest stories in compelling ways.

The Moth: Is a nonprofit organization that is an absolute treasure trove of good storytelling. Here, you can listen to the story library, The Moth Radio Hour or podcast. In addition, they have compiled an “Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling” in their book: How To Tell A Story. While this is not a book written for college applicants, its universal principles for uncovering and telling our most powerful stories comprise the best resource we’ve encountered to inspire college essayists.

Happy writing.